Saturday, April 11, 2009

We’ve another dog applying for membership in the century club, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation. Yes, last year’s top Non-Sporting Dog, had been stuck at the 97 BIS mark for the past couple of weeks, but today judge Joyce Vanek selected her Best In Show at the Ephrata-Moses Lake Kennel Club day one show in Moses Lake WA.

When Yes collects two more BIS, she will be the third dog within the last twelve months to enter that exclusive club of dogs to win 100 career all breed BIS. The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, and the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, are the others.

CH Belleterre’s Shall We Dance

As the record holders retire, new dogs emerge to attract our attention. The aforementioned Griff, better known as Abby to her fans, was the 2009 Best of Opposite Sex at Westminster to her sire, CH Cilleine Masquerade, the top winner in breed history. Abby, bred by Anne & Harlowe Jahelka (Belleterre Kennels Reg ), was owner hanlded to the Group win by Summer Wentland of Oak Harbor WA.

We have just heard that the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has taken Best In Show at today’s Sacramento Kennel Club show under judge Mareth Kipp. It was Spirit’s 100th career BIS. As usual, she was handled by 2008 Professional Handler of the Year, Taffe McFadden.

When a dog wins as frequently as Spirit and Taffe have, we sometimes become jaded about the wins, but this win was long awaited and met with universal excitement in the fancy. Virtually everyone present knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. It was a day when we all got to relive the moment we first got hooked on dog shows, that moment that transcends the usual routine and provides each of us with a special memory to keep as our very own.

We owe our thanks to Taffe and the entire Mcfadden group for presenting this wonderful girl in top condition week after week, to breeders Maryann Bisceglia & Mary Hayes for the years of dedication it takes to produce such a peerless specimen, and to owners Mary Hayes & Joe & Carla Sanchez for making it all possible. Congratulations to them all on this momentous accomplishment.

We’ve had a rash of repeat winners and today we have another. The Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon has added BIS lucky number thirteen to his 2009 resume, winning the Providence County Kennel Club show in Lincoln RI under judge Charles Foley. Just to remind you, Bon was bred by Daniel Yona, is owned Margo Koga, and handled by Noble Inglett.

As we head into this weekend’s Sacramento Kennel Club shows and the expected drama of a potential 100th BIS by the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, we have a some coming attractions.

CH Roundtown Merceds At Maryscot

Yesterday, the nation’s number one dog, Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Merceds At Maryscot, returned to her winning ways, picking up the Best In Show on day two of the Northern California Terrier Association limited breed shows. Thursday’s winner, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, was second. The Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Warfox Double Exposure, and the Welsh Terrier, CH Sanhepinc Paisa, were third and fourth, respectively.

The Terrier entry at this weekend’s Sacramento shows will be about 25 percent of the total entry, nearly three times higher than the normal show Terrier entry. However, we wouldn’t say that is really an indicator of the final outcome of the show. Whatever that is, you will read it here first. Check back with us this evening.

2008 Number one Portuguese Water DogCH Pouch Cove's Monkey See Monkey Do

We hate to say we told you so (not really, we relish it), but we did tell you this back on on February 2nd, way before anyone else. TMZ is reporting that a purebred, AKC registered, Portuguese Water Dog named Charlie will arrive at the White House Tuesday. Charlie, who will likely be renamed, is from the same line as the PWDs owned by Senator Ted Kennedy. Charlie is being rehomed and, therefore, not quite a shelter dog, meets the politically correct agenda of some.

We hope that the First Family and Charlie will have a long life together and that all Americans will celebrate the joy that comes with a family’s first dog. Come on, you Labradoodle people, don't be haters.

Friday, April 10, 2009

We just heard that the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur BonBon, has picked up his twelfth BIS today under judge Robert Moore at the Rhode Island Kennel Club show. If you’ve been reading us this past two weeks, you know that we have had five different Toy Dogs win all breed BIS. We also have four Toy Dogs in the Top 15 all breed dogs that are separated only by 2,000 points, or said another way, separated by one large BIS win.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

It waa just six days ago that the Irish Terrier, Ch Fleet St Fenway Fan, won his first Best In Show. Today, Fen, still two months shy of his second birthday, went Best In Show under judge Lydia Coleman Hutchinson at the Terriers only show hosted by the Northern California Terrier Association in Sacramento CA. Fen was chosen best over 460 other Terriers that included several of the top twenty terriers including the Number One dog in the country, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot.

The other three group winners were the Scottie, Sadie, second, the Colored Bull Terrier, CH Soquel Millineum BlACK Fern, third, and the Welsh Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Paisa.

All eyes are on this weekend’s Sacramento all breed shows where the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, is expected to collect her 100th BIS. However, as today’s results show, you can never be sure of the outcome of an AKC dog show.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Wednesdays means weekend previews. Here in the US, we used to have a reduced schedule of shows on Easter weekend, but this coming weekend we have twelve venues holding shows. In lieu of bunnies and ducks, we have Beagles and Retrievers in the following places:

Harrisburg PA will kick off the weekend tomorrow with the first of four shows hosted by the Lebanon County, Chambersburg Area, Harrisburg, and Mason & Dixon Kennel Clubs. There will be three days of shows starting tomorrow in Valdosta GA presented by the Valdosra, Augusta, and Atlanta Kennel Clubs. Sunday everyone, except, the hounds and the Golden Retirevers, will observe the holiday.

Also hosting a trio of shows are the Rhode Island and Providence County Kennel Clubs, who will run Friday through Sunday in Lincoln RI. Likewise, the Northeast Okalahoma and Mid Continent Kennel Clubs will do three shows Friday to Sunday in Grove OK. In addition to the Oklahoma shows, Region Five the resident Kennel Club will hold shows in Stephenville TX and the Terry-All Kennel Club (all breed) will be partying in Brighton CO.

Custom Weathervane from Edwin B. Waskiewicz

Midwesterners can choose between the “I” states of Indiana and Iowa, where the Steel City Kennel Club will have a double header Saturday & Sunday in Crown Point IN and the Southeastern Iowa KC will share a pair of shows in Ottuma IA.

Region six will have shows in two locations, the first in Moses Lake WA hosted by the Ephrata-Moses Lake Kennel Club, the second in Sacramento CA where the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, will have two chances at her 100th all breed Best In Show.

Jello Shooter Easter Eggs

Finally, we have two be a little envious of Region Seven exhibitors who get to chose between Easter Brunch in Las Vegas NV or on the island of Oahu, HI in the Honolulu suburb of Kaneohe. Did I ever tell you about the Easter show where we had Easter Egg Jello shooters ?

The Belgian Sheepdog, V’Ger, took home his first all breed BIS. Congratulations to breeders/owners Janice J Powers & John D Powers.

CH Sunvalley Petitions Pouch Cove

Sunday V’Ger, the Newfie, and the Keeshond, all returned to see BIS judge Kathleen Steele. Joining them were the Curly-Coated Retriever, CH Dryfork Curly Moe, the Longhaired Dachshund , CH Insight’s On The Verge, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cofrnerstone Soliquy, and the Yorkshire Terrier, Kesar’s Two For The Show.

It was another black dog taking home the big rosette, the Newfoundland, Chris. Congratultions to breeder Lou Ann Lenner and owners Kathy Griffin & Peggy Helming.

BIS went to the two year old Chinese import, the Chow Chow, bred and owned by Yang Ling, and handled by co-owner Kathy Beliew. Congratulations to them both.

CH Jakar Winsong Elevate Your Game

On day two the Afghan, the Chow, and the Bouvier all showed up in BIS judge Danny Canino’s ring s did the Golden Retriever, CH Dalane Doizaki Buckingham Pride, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, the Airedale Terrier, CH Huntwood‘s Wildest Performance, and the Miniature Pinscher, CH Wannabee Biker Bob.

The Afghan, Nike, an Ohio native has recently taken up residence with handler Tara Schulz of Riverside CA. Not quite two years old, this boy looks like a DOG2WATCH. Congratulations to Tara and breeders.owners Nikki Gardner, Dr David & Amy Donnell, on Nike’s first BIS.

One note to all our readers, if a BIS winner’s photo did not appear in these pages, it’s because I could not find one. If you know the owner of the faceless BIS winner, tell them to send their favorite photo of the winner to me at bill38112@aol.com.

It was a rare day for a rare breed as the Field Spaniel picked up a Best In Show, the first for the breed this year. As rare as it is, this is not the three year old’s first. He finished 2008 with two top prizes. Congratualtions to breeder/owner Lynn Finney, co-owners Katherine C Sullivan, & H Howard, and handler Carl Sanders.

Her speedy BIS was the three year old Whippet. She has been on our a radar since winning two groups a month ago. Congratulations to breeders Jane Cooney-Waterhouse & Kristy Kenyon, owners Kellie Padon & Kristy Kenyon., and handler Andy Linton.

CH Sky Acres Spy Plane

Three dogs made it back to the final on day two, the Golden, Louie, the Boxer, Dante, and the Poodle, Yes. Four other dogs joined them in BIS judge Rita Bell‘s ring, the Black & Tan Coonhound, CH Silver Ridge Showtyme At Windbourne, the Miniature Bull Terrier, CH Nederes' Adventures With Stitch, snd the Affenpinscher, CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Sky Acres Spy Plane.

It was the Tevuren, Spy, picking up his second BIS in a week. We must note that this is fourth outing that last year’s Top Non Sporting dog has been shut out. Yes is currently sitting at 97 career all breed BIS and has been only showing close to home of late. While we would like to see her hit the century mark, we have to say it is a testament to the quality of the dogs in AKC that she has not yet hit that mark.

We’ll be back with our last report of the day from Region Seven, the Southwest Region.

The big Poodle added a third BIS to her 2009 resume. For the moment, she is still in the shadow of another outstanding black Standard Poodle bitch, but we suspect that she will be taking over sole possession of number one Non Sporting Dog very soon.

Region Four, the North Central Region, had two cities hosting shows this weekend. Previously we gave you a peek at the Kennel Club of Yorkville’s Sunday show in De Kalb IL, but let’s start with Saturday’s show.

Dawin Poodles are having a good weekend. The third black Standard Poodle to go BIS this weekend, Ricky, bred and owned by Nancy Wilson, is co-owned by Linda Campbell and handled by Ann Rairigh.

CH Exl’s Leather’N’Lace

We told you that Sunday judge Jean Fournier chose the Havanese, CH Bellatak My Funny Valentine as her Best In Show. Vallee was joined by Saturday finalists, Ricky, the Norfolk Terrier, and the Bouvier. Also in contention were the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Exl’s Leather’N’Lace, the Otterhound, CH Adeline’s Sticky Wicket, and the Samoyed, CH Polar Mist X-Tasy.

We have already reported some of the Southeast Region results. We gave you complete results on all the Florida shows and we told you that the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, logged back to back BISs at the Piedmont Kennel Club in Charlotte NC and we did give you all of Saturday’s finalists.

Lately the seven year old Chess has been content letting the other Claymore Pekes have the spotlight. He’s been spending most of his time at home siring little Pekingese. Chess hasn’t won a BIS since 2006, but he has one in 2009 now. Congratulations to breeder/owner Wynne S Ballinger.

CH Salty Dog Of Tampa Bay

Saturday, the Wolfhound and the Poodle came back to meet judge Donovan Thompson. Making their first final seven bid this weekend were the Labrador Retriever, CH Salty Dog Of Tampa Bay, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Aspenmyst Prince Of The Island, the Toy Fox Terrier, CH Tropicfox Bootstrap Bill, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodsides Pacino.

Saturday’s BIS winner was the Lab, Salty. With this win, his first this year and career second, he becomes the country’s number one Lab. Congratulations to breeder/owner Linda Hess and handler Rindi Gaudet.

CH Dawin Spitfire

Sunday, Salty, the Wolfhound, the Poodle, Malanute, and the GSD were all back seeking the heavy silver. Only the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar were new to the final ring this weekend. Dr Steve Keating was the judge and the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire was his BIS. It was Jetta’s third BIS this year. We tip our hat to breeder/owner Linda C Campbell and handler Sarah Riedl.

we will try to work through the rest of our results methodically in order not to confuse folks, mostly ourselves. In Region One, the Northeast Region, we had three shows in West Springfield MA.

CH Fleet St Fenway Fan

On Friday at the Trap Falls Kennel Club the Best In Show judge was Sulie Greendale-Paveza. She was lucky enough to have the English Springer Spaniel, CH Cerise Jesse James, the 15” Beagle, CH Torquay Midnight Confession, the Great Dane, CH Rosen Dane's The Devil Wears Prada, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Mondrian V H Lamslag RE, the French Bulldog, CH Petite Cherie Femme De Puissance, and the Rough Collie, CH Kelso's Moon Dancin' PT.

Nothing says Irish like a red head and this one is a BIS winner. “Fen”, although not yet two years old, made his mark at the AKC/Eukanuba National in December where he took home a BBE Group Three and now he has his first BIS. Congratulations to breeder /ownersr RC Carusi & Shari Boyd-Carusi and co-owner Tony Barker.

CH Roragyn's Tuff Enuff

Saturday, the host was Troy Kennel Club and the judge was James Covey. Surprisingly, not one of Friday’s finalists managed to return to the final seven. Those making it to the BIS ring were the Brittany, CH Tonan-Hope's R U Kiddin' Me, the Long Haired Dachshund, CH Rose Farm's Slamdunk's Aces High, the Boxer, CH Hi-Tech's Southern Belle, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Foxlorr Double Dare, the Toy Manchester Terrier, CH Burmack's Rosie V Evrmor, the Tibetan Spaniel, CH Lorac's Yeshe Wongchhu, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, CH Roragyn's Tuff Enuff.

It’s heady enough to win your first Group, but to win a BIS on the same day is even more thrilling. So it was for the Corgi, Tuffy, as he took home both. Congratulations to breeder/owner Cynnie Smith, co-owner Isabelle Hunt, and handler Karen Mammano.

CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream

On Sunday, day two for the Troy KC and day one for BIS judge Peggy Lloyd. Once again it was a mostly new group of finalists. Only Fen, the Irish Terrier, was a return visitor. Ma,ing their first final seven appearance of the weekend were the Golden Retriever, Comstock's Intelligent Design, the Irish Wofhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, the Boxer, CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Schipperke, CH De Lamer Point Break, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

Keeping with the “fresh face” theme of the weekend, it was the Boxer, Scarlett, grabbing the Best In Show. Not yet two, she is already vying for the number one Working Dog spot. This win, her fourth BIS of the year, puts her closer to the group leading Dobie, CH Allure Blazing Str Alisaton. Congratulations to Team Scarlett, breeders Tina Porter & Lee Stanton, owners D McCarroll, M Fagan, Mrs J Billhardt, S Tenenbaum, and handler Diego Fernando Garcia.

We have also been reporting from Midland TX on the exploits of the Pug, CH Tupelo ShoBoat Tu China Tu, who managed to win the first three shows held there this weekend. Before we give you Sunday’s results., let’s catch you up on Friday and Saturday’s finalists.

CH Aladdin’s Too Sexy To Tango

We gave you complete results already on Thursday’s show, but we only gave you partial results on Friday’s show. In addition to finalist apreviously reported there was also the English Foxhound, CH Whipperwinn‘s The Wizard, and the Schipperke, CH Aladdin’s Too Sexy To Tango, in judge Robert Moore‘s final seven.

Sunday, judge Charles Trotter called the BIS at the Concho Kennel Club. Once again, Boo, was there as was English Foxhound and the Smooth Fox. Making their first final seven appearance of the weekend were the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Komondor, CH Nagyalma Slew ‘Em, the Keeshind, CH Legend’s Purple Reign, the Australian Shepherd, CH Windrift’s Latitude.

We made the point earlier that very few dogs can pull off four BISs in a row and it didn’t happen in Midland, not with competition like this. The Golden, Treasure, picked up her sixth BIS this year and now sits as the country’s number one Sporting Dog.

Monday morning means show reports. So let’s get started with the remaining details from the partial reports. First, we told you that the Norwich Terrier, CH Skyscot’s Poke Chip, picked up his first BIS ever at the Salina Kennel Club show in Wichita KS on Friday.

CH Halogold’s Take Me On A Journey

Judge Michelle Billing’s other finalists were the Golden Retriever, CH Halogold’s Take Me On A Journey, the Basenji, CH Ab Rafiki The Icon Of Cool, the Alaskan Malamute, the CH Sno Klassic Play The Game, the Shih Tzu, CH Istas Tearn It Up, the Standard Poodle, CH Donnchadas Sweet Dreams, and the Canaan Dog, CH Mad River Cool Breeze Blowing.

Saturday the Wichita Kennel Club BIS judge was Mariko Harase and the Golden, the Basenji, and the Norwich were all back seeking the top prize. Also on hand were the Kuvasz, Szumeria's Wildwood Silver Six Pence, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, CH Ayrwen Star Kissed Delight, the Miniature Poodle, CH Amity Mystical Horizon's Heaven, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Tacara's Touchstone.

BIS went to the the four year old Golden, Bentley, his first. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Donni Sue Graff!

CH Ayrwen Star Kissed Delight

Sunday it was the Hutchinson Kennel Club and judge Edd Bivin making the BIS call. Repeat visitors to the final seven were Friday's and Saturday’s winners, the Norwich and the Golden, the Basenji, the Malamute, the Chihuahua. They were joined by the Dalmatian. CH Royalty’s Splash Of Taylor and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lambluv’s Day Dream Believer.

We have had a lot of Toy Dogs winning lately and Sunday was the Chihuahua, Dee Dee’s, day. It was the first BIS by the breed in over two years and the first ever for Dee Dee. The two year old, bred and owned by Gloria & Arthur Johnson, was this year’s breed winner at Westminster. Congratualtions to the Johnsons and Dee Dee.

Keep checking back with us today. We have lots more results to give you.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

It was day four in Merced CA and day two of the Yosemite Kennel Club and the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot was asking judge Betty Regina Leininger to give her fourth BIS this weekend.

Very few dogs can sweep a four show weekend and Sadie was denied the box set by the Bouvier, Kobe. The five year old dog, bred by Susie Stephan & Cynthia Thames and owned by Aaron Gomez, Kayla Kurucz, & Anthony & Sue Digiorno, has been the top Bouvier since 2008, finishing last year with four BIS. This is his first Best In Show this year. Congratulations to Kobe, his breeders, and owners.

We just heard that the Havanese, CH Bellatak My Funny Valentine, went Best In Show today at the Kennel Club Of Yorkville Illinois in De Kalb IL, with judge Jean Fournier doing the honors. Although barely three years old, “Vallee” has twice won the Havanase National Specialty. She was bred by Kathy Patrick of Sacramento CA, is owned by Kathy and her husband, Tom, John Oakes & Carol Shea, and is handled by David Murray. Congratulations to them all on their first BIS this year.

It was the PBGV CeeJay’s ninth BIS this year. The only hound in the all breed top 25, CeeJay is more than 15,000 points behind the leader, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot. Nonetheless, CeeJay is doing everything to make sure he stays within striking distance of the top spot.

It seems repeating one’s self is all the rage this weekend. We hear that the Doberman Pinshcer, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton has won back to back Best In Shows in Charlotte NC. BIS number two came today courtesy of judge Reinaldo Burgos at the Piedmont Kenel Club show. CJ is one of those in the top five all breed dogs scrambling to keep within sight of the number one dog, the Scottie, Sadie.

For those of you who are up late, we now have the results in from Merced CA, or Sadie’s Place as it has become known this weekend, where the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Merced At Maryscot, has done a three-peat, winning her third BIS of the weekend.

It’s hard to get noticed when you are in the ring with a dog on a hot streak like Sadie, but the Toy Manchester had everybody scrambling for their catalog to verify that she had come out of the six to nine month puppy class to make it to the final seven. Now that’s the way to win a five point major! Congratulations to breeder/owner Blossom Scott-Heim.

NUMBER EIGHT

NUMBER NINE

NUMBER TEN

SHOW INFO

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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